Overview
Master the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Explore an amazing adventure in the capable hands of “Guiding Machu Picchu” by walking the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu. This Classic Inca trail is a great challenge for any adventurer and history lover, where everything is included: beautiful sceneries, the mystery of history, the culture of the Incas, entrance to Machu picchu through the famous Sun Gate entrance as well as a great physical challenge. If you are considering an unforgettable physical challenge or just have an interest in the local culture, it is all included in our Classic Inca Trail Trek.
About the Itinerary: A guide to the 4-day Time Traveler experience
Day 1: Cusco – KM 82 – Huayllabamba
After a three-hour drive you will arrive at the trailhead at KM82. From here you will embark on the trek across the Vilcanota River, and then trace the trail through the luscious Urubamba Canyon. While on the hike you will come across the archaeological site of Llactapata which was one of the most important farming areas in Incan times. We then pause to enjoy a delicious lunch together before continuing on to Huayllabamba, where you will halt for the day to have dinner and then stay overnight in tents.
Day 2: Huayllabamba – Dead Woman’s Pass – Pacaymayo
The second day is considered to be the most difficult of all the days of the trek. You will hike up for 5-6 hours to reach Warmiwañusqa, or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ at an elevation of 4,215 meters (13,828 feet). It’s a physical challenge with many steep steps but is totally worth it for the magnificent views when you reach the top of the pass where you can see all the beautiful surrounding mountain ranges. After an extended break at the top of the pass, you will drop down into the Pacaymayo Valley where we will stop for lunch and dinner and is where you will spend the night.
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
Walking on the third day, which is the longest hiking day on the trek, but it’s also considered the most beautiful as you’ll discover a series of incredible archaeological sites of the Ancient Incas. You will visit Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca to learn more about their rich history from your expert guide and Phuyupatamarca is also where we’ll stop for lunch. Along the way you’ll also be taking in magnificent views of snow-capped mountains, lush forest and local flora and fauna. We continue our trek hiking down to the next archaeological site of Intipata, consisting of beautiful terraces and offering a great panorama over the valley. We then finish our hike at Wiñay Wayna, which is our last camping site and where we enjoy our last dinner together.
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu
Your last stage of the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu is completed early in the morning, rising early at approximately 3.30am; after that, you will be hiking up to Sun Gate which is the traditional and iconic entrance to Machu Picchu. At dawn, you get first views of the magnificent structure of the ruins when the first daylight hits it. We’ll then descend down into the complex, stopping at the best photo spot to take some photos (Circuit 1). This will be followed by a private guided tour of the impressive site of Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world. The final part of the journey consists of taking a bus down to Aguas Calientes and then taking the train back to Ollantaytambo before switching to bus transport for the last leg to Cusco where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel at about 7pm (traffic dependent).
Great Highlights on the Hiking Trail to Machu Picchu
Breathtaking Scenery: The Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu takes you through very beautiful scenery, from cloud forests to mountain passes.
Ancient Ruins: As you travel through the mountains you will visit many Inca ruins and get to know more about the culture and history of the Inca Empire.
Challenging Adventure: Trekking the Classic Inca trail hike is challenging in parts and for this reason, you get the best experience if you are out for the adventure of a lifetime.
Expert Guides: Our professional guides make the tour interesting because they have qualified years of experience, love the trail and are local so therefore passionate about passing on all the information they have to offer on the history, culture, and nature of the place.
Sun Gate to Machu Picchu: The culmination of your efforts is the view of the ruins of the lost city of Machu Picchu seen from the Sun Gate – an iconic and unforgettable experience!
Start Your Adventure Today!
If you do not want to miss your once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the Inca Trail then you should not hesitate to take up our offer of ‘Guiding Machu Picchu’s’ Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. If you are a professional trekker or a first-time hiker, then you will find that our Classic Inca Trail package will make your endeavor one to remember.
Please contact us to secure your place and start your journey on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek!
Itinerary
The first day is relatively easy and serves as training for the following four days of the classic hiking tour. Travellers are picked up from their hotels at 5:30 a.m. and travel by bus past the picturesque villages of Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. Buses usually stop at the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley for about 30 minutes to give people the opportunity to have breakfast.
At km 82, we will cross the Urubamba River and follow the trek to the right as it climbs steeply upward. We will pass through a small village as the ruins of the Inca hill fort of Huillca Raccay come into view high above the mouth of the river Cusichaca (the happy bridge’).
You will be able to view the extensive Inca ruins of Llactapata (also known as Patallacta on some maps). Llactapata means ‘upper town’ in Quechua and was first discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It was primarily an agricultural station used to supply Machu Picchu with maize, the staple crop of the Incas.
We will continue the Inca Trail’s 4-day trek on a path that follows the left bank of the river up to the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m). We will spend the night here, depending on the speed of the group. (This is the last place along the trek where you can buy snacks and drinks.)
Overnight at the campsite
- Walking Distance: 12km (7.45 miles)
- Starting Elevation: 2720 meters (8923 feet)
- Campsite Elevation: 3000 meters (9842 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Weather: warm and windy
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner (plus a snack and afternoon tea)
- Accommodation: Camping in Wayllabamba
After breakfast, we will keep hiking the Classic Inca Trail as we climb up from Wayllabamba, following the left bank of the Llulluchayoc River, until we arrive at ‘Tres Piedras’ (three stones). There is a stream named after the Huayruro, which is an ornamental tree that has red and black seeds. Many of the porters from Ollantaytambo district are also known as Huayruros because of their traditional red and black ponchos.
As we trek further up the trail, we will begin to see spectacular terrain known as Llulluchapampa. We will walk another 2 hours uphill to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Warmiwausca, or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,215m. During this part of the Inca Trail tour, hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first the scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top, hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the hike.
The downhill from the pass is steep but not difficult. We will follow the trail on the left side of the valley floor and spend our second evening at the Pacaymayo campsite.
Overnight at the campsite
- Walking Distance: 12 km/6.82 miles
- Starting Elevation: 3000 meters (9842 feet)
- Campsite Elevation: 3580 metres (11700 feet)
- Maximum Altitude: 4200 meters (13779 feet) (Warmy Wauska Pass)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Weather: Depending on the season
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (plus a snack and afternoon tea).
- Accommodation: Camping in Pacaymayu
The third day of the Inca trek to Machu Picchu leaves from Pacaymayo and takes about an hour of uphill hiking to the ruins of Runkurakay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacaymayo valley below.
Another 45-minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass, Abra de Runkurakay (4,000m). At last, you’ll feel that you are walking along the pilgrimage trail of the Incas. An hour from the second pass, you’ll arrive at the Sayacmarca Inca site by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means inaccessible town and describes the position of the ruins, perfectly protected on three sides by sheer cliffs.
After visiting Sayacmarca, we will rejoin the trail as it passes Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling situated in the shadows of Sayacmarca. From here, the path descends into a magnificent cloud forest full of orchids.
The trail goes up to the third pass (3,670m). This pass offers excellent views of several snow-capped peaks, including Salcantay (6,300m) and Veronica (5,900m). Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin, is located a few minutes away from the pass. The name Phuyupatamarca means town in the clouds.
After walking through the cloud forest, you may just be able to see the tin roof of the park rangers house (Wiay Wayna), although it will be 3 hours until we arrive at Wiay Wayna, which is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu. There is a short Inca Trail located at the southern end of the campsite that leads to the ruins of Wiay Wayna.
Overnight at the campsite
- Walking Distance: 16km (9.94 miles)
- Starting Elevation: 3580 metres (11745 feet)
- Maximum Altitude: 4000 meters (13123 feet) (Runkuracay Pass)
- Campsite Elevation: 2680 meters (8792 feet)
- Difficulty: Formidable
- Weather: Warm and very humid
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping in Wiayhuayna
The 4-day Inca Trail Machu Picchu is clearly marked, and it takes about 2 hours to finish this last section of the trail. We will awaken early at 4 a.m., have breakfast, and set off on the trail by 5.30 a.m. to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The Classic Inca Trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Suddenly, the whole of Machu Picchu is spread out before you in all its glory—a fantastic sight for all.
When you arrive at the ruins, you’ll have plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu from the classic view point’. When the group is back together again, we descend to the main entrance, where you can safely leave your large backpacks. The group will re-enter the ruins with the same guide for a complete tour of the major sectors. The tour takes approximately 2 hours. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the ruins alone (not included in the price).
In the afternoon, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the train station, reception, and transfer to your hotel in Cusco, the journey by train takes approximately 3 hours.
- Walking Distance: 6 km/3.10 miles
- Starting Elevation: 2680 meters (8792 feet)
- Maximum Altitude: 2730 meters (8956 feet) (Sun Gate)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Weather: hot and very humid (bring lots of water).
- Meals: Breakfast
Included/Excluded
Included
- All the transfers required (trailhead, Tran Station, hotel)
- Pre-departure briefing
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning of trek departure
- Private transportation: Cusco, km. 82
- Porters to carry our camping and kitchen equipment
- English-speaking professional guide
- 4 season tents, 2 to 3 people capacity
- Therma-Rest self-inflating mattress
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 suppers
- Chef and cooking equipment
- First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle
- Return Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from the train station to your Cusco hotel
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Entrance ticket for the Inca Trail Trek and Machu Picchu
- Trek permits for the Inca Trail (4 days, 3 nights)
Excluded
- Sleeping bag: $20 to rent
- Inflatable air mattress: $15 to rent
- Trekking poles (pair): $15 to rent
- Tips for our staff.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended for all hikers.
- Lunch on the last day
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: Tickets need to be booked in advance and cost an additional $75 per person.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: Tickets need to be booked in advance and cost an additional $75 per person.
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes: $60
- Vistadome Train Upgrade: $60
